What was a title-deciding fixture for us 90’s kids is now a genuine six-pointer in the slow horse race for the Top 6!
The last last nine games between these sides has averaged 3.22 goals per game with last year’s fixture producing four goals in a 2-2 draw – but I’m expecting the opposite tonight in the 8pm kick off.
A lot of the old guard are now gone, McTominay v Xhaka is nowhere near as box office as Keane and Viera!
It’s a struggle
Sky Sports TV pundit Graeme Souness said this is the worst Man United team since the start of the Premier League – and he’s right. With Pogba, Rashford and Martial potentially all missing for the home side, it could possibly be one of the worst United starting XI’s we have ever seen.
Even when the Red Devils have been at full strength, their attack has not been fluid or coherent. I see them struggling to take advantage of a very weak Arsenal defence, who have posted only two clean sheets in their last 22 away league games, and Alexandre Lacazette is also missing for the Gunners tonight.
With United struggling to score, they’ll have to make life difficult for Arsenal at the other end.
Smart play
The signings of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have improved things significantly this season for United defensively. In terms of expected goals against, United have the best record over the first six games of the season.
However, you need to put that in context of the the relatively easy run of fixtures they have had.
Add all this up and Under 2.5 goals @ Evens looks a smart play and that also makes the Draw @ 12/5 a runner too.
Since the 8-2 mauling of the Gunners by United back in 2011, there has been three draws and the other five games have been separated by just the 1 goal.
So expect it too be tight tonight.
Who’ll get the goals?
If you’re looking for a goal-scorer bet, then Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as first goalscorer (9/2) looks the value.
He is a lethal finisher and has been a fantastic signing for Arsenal with 38 league goals (one every 114 minutes) since signing in January 2018.
With Lacazette missing, he should be up top as opposed to out wide on the left, meaning he should get the best of any chances United concede. Aubameyang did Nicolas Pepe a favour last week by giving him a penalty against Aston Villa to get the newbie off the mark since his big-money transfer from French side Lille.
If there is penalty for Arsenal tonight – I can’t see Aubameyang being as generous again.
Bet summary: A same game multi on Aubameyang to score first (9/2), the draw (12/5) and under 2.5 goals (Evens) pays approx 32/1 at these prices when combined in a same game multi / treble.
*Prices correct at time of publishing
Shoot over to the latest Man U v Arsenal odds on PP.com